Construction industry
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:05): My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, whistleblowers have alleged gross financial negligence and waste inside multiple government agencies, including the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority. A former senior VIDA official described gross negligence and a lack of care with the use of public money. The government was also repeatedly warned about the major financial impact of unlawful behaviour on Victorian government construction sites. Will the Treasurer request that the Department of Treasury and Finance undertake an immediate audit of all government agencies linked to taxpayer-funded construction projects to find out exactly how much money has been fleeced and wasted?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:06): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question. He has conflated a couple of issues in his question. I think you referred to allegations that have been brought to light by whistleblowers. As I understand it, through reporting, the whistleblower has made complaints to IBAC, so I would not put myself in a position where I am seeking to influence a potentially active IBAC commission. In relation to the role of DTF in relation to infrastructure projects, it is a role of theirs to continue to work with agencies in the rollout of projects but also in relation to contingency payments in relation to milestones as they are reached. Therefore, in your language, there is constant auditing of finances across all government departments and projects.
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:07): Treasurer, the scale of reported alleged wrongdoing is so very alarming that former IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich KC has said that there is urgent and ample reason to consider a broad inquiry and that consideration should be given to a royal commission. Does the Treasurer support a royal commission to get to the bottom of this clear misuse of taxpayers money, misconduct and corruption within the government’s Big Build?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:07): Thank you, Mr Mulholland. In relation to action, as I have said, we have already had a review from Greg Wilson. We have accepted and are implementing all of those recommendations. When it comes to royal commissions, we have obviously got a history, when it is appropriate, in terms of systemic issues such as family violence and mental health services. That is when we have embarked on royal commissions. In relation to these issues a more urgent response was required, which is why we had the independent review from Greg Wilson, and it is why we have acted immediately to implement those recommendations. It is not a position that I hold that a royal commission is the best way forward here. I would prefer to act now rather than wait.